Director of Football Operations and Player Development Reggie Terry
January 17, 2005
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of working with Coach Robinson and his staff. In the past year at the University, we’ve lost a number of people in one way or another, starting with Chancellor Shaw, the retirement of Jake Crouthamel and Coach Pasuqualoni. One of the things when you think about Syracuse University and the administrators that we’ve had is that they always do a wonderful job. I’m looking forward to working with Chancellor Cantor, Dr. Gross and Coach Robinson and what they bring to the University. I’m excited about the enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to building on the foundation that was laid here, not just recently, but throughout the long, rich tradition we have here at Syracuse.”
On whether it is important to have a link from the old staff to the new staff:
“This is something I learned from Coach Pasqualoni. Every day I come into work and try to earn my job. What I did yesterday was yesterday. Today is today. I think when it comes to evaluating people and positions, it’s about the character and the quality of the individual. I don’t think the issue becomes having a link to the kids. Coaches are educators and teachers. They will embrace and interface with the kids no matter who is in the position of Director of Football Operations. I would like to think the issue was based on what I’ve been able to get done in my five-year tenure in this position.”
On how the players will react to the new staff:
“I think players have a keen ability to be able to evaluate people and how sincere you are. Personally, I think it’s great that I’m here, but at the same time, the guys are going to respond. We have our first team meeting and they’ll be interested in the philosophies and the things we’re going to do. That would happen if I was here or wasn’t here. With the caliber of young men that we bring to this institution, their character and their integrity, they’ll respond. Obviously, after the bowl game and getting the news of the dismissal via ESPN, that was hard. I spoke to a number of the kids about that. However, they persevered. I think that’s something in life that we learn in this microcosm of football.”
On his communication with the players:
“I think what we really tried to talk to the kids in the transition period and explain things. There was a lot of uncertainty and a lot of questions. I basically told them that until they stop telling me to come to work, I’ll be here. One of the things I was confident in was that whoever Coach Robinson selected would be a character, quality person. A lot of what he stands for, these kids have been through and they believe and they embrace. I think they’ll be pleased as we look forward and move to winter workouts, spring ball and the 2005 season.”
On how he feels about being retained:
“All you have in life is your reputation and your character. I don’t care how much money you have, or whatever esteem or prestige you may think you have. My approach to how I live my life and how I work is that every day I’m accountable. It’s nice to think that being evaluated for no other reason than your merit and how you work and who you are matters. That’s important to me.”
On what a Director of Football Operations does:
“I do a number of different things, basically the daily operation of the program. A lot of things that go under the radar such as travel and budgetary things I wear a lot of different hats and try to keep it all balanced.”
On whether he sought other opportunities:
“I played here, I went to graduate school here and I got my first full-time professional job here. For me, I was just interested in doing the very best that I could. With the transition, there was a lot of uncertainty, but we all had obligations and responsibilities. I really didn’t try to stop and think, well, let me call this guy and try to do this.”
On the youth of the staff so far:
“With the staff that Coach Robinson has brought in so far, the things I’m most impressed with are their ability to coach and their character as people. I really enjoy visiting and talking with them. I don’t think a good coach or a good educator has to be a certain age. I think you have to have the qualifications and the desire and the passion for the position. The coaches who Coach Robinson has hired definitely possess those. I wouldn’t look at any age as being a negative.”
On his feel for the players’ mood:
“I spoke to a number of the players, if not all of them. A number of the players are back on campus, obviously since school starts tomorrow. The kids are optimistic. They don’t know what to expect. The last time we were together as a team was the locker room in Orlando. They’re full of expectations of being back and starting spring ball. They’re a little apprehensive and nervous and don’t know what to expect because the culture that existed, in some regard, has changed. They’re anxious to find out who their coach is and to meet Coach Robinson.”
